Hofstede's Cultural Theory Research Articles

Discovering university students’ behaviour to promote distance learning on the DingTalk telecommunication platform during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This research is based on university students’ experience of using DingTalk in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the distance learning mode on the telecommunication platform provides university students with comprehensive functions, they have limited motivation to accept it and even express dissatisfaction with this new learning model. To narrow the research gap, this study establishes a research model based on the COM-B Behaviour Changing theory and the Hofstede cultural theory, and it analyses influencing factors from Environmental opportunity, Personal capability, and Cultural control aspects. Applying the variance-based structural equation modelling and partial least squares path modelling (PLS-SEM), 358 valid questionnaires have been analysed through the SmartPLS. All hypotheses can be supported, such as the relationship between official department support and students’ distance learning motivation, the connection between privacy security awareness and students’ motivation, and the relationship between power distance and students’ motivation. The research findings will be helpful in enhancing the distance learning system, and more and more students will have an opportunity to accept a high-quality distance education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Developing a Model for Understanding the Factors that Affect Individuals' Intentions to Share Personal Information

With the outbreak of COVID-19, digital contact tracing (DCT) applications have been implemented to track the transmission of the highly contagious disease. However, there has been significant resistance to using these apps due to individuals' concerns about disclosing personal information. This study aimed to examine individuals' intentions to reveal their details on DCT applications. A conceptual framework was developed incorporating theories of dual calculus, Hofstede's cultural theory, information boundary theory, and individual factors. A quantitative approach was employed, using a random sampling methodology to gather data from 533 respondents. The proposed framework was validated through partial least squares path modeling. The findings revealed that COVID-19-related stress, lack of transparency, and uncertainty avoidance negatively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. Conversely, collectivism, expected community-related outcomes of sharing information, expected personal outcomes of sharing information, and information privacy concerns positively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. This research provides insights into the factors that influence the widespread acceptance of DCT applications and can assist related authorities in ensuring their successful implementation.

Exploring cross-cultural disparities in tourists' perceived images: a text mining and sentiment analysis study using LDA and BERT-BILSTM models

PurposeTourists with different cultural backgrounds think and behave differently. Accurately capturing and correctly understanding cultural differences will help tourist destinations in product/service planning, marketing communication and attracting and retaining tourists. This research employs Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory to analyse the variations in destination image perceptions of Chinese-speaking and English-speaking tourists to Xiamen, a prominent tourist attraction in China.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation utilizes a two-stage approach, incorporating LDA and BERT-BILSTM models. By leveraging text mining, sentiment analysis and t-tests, this research investigates the variations in tourists' perceptions of Xiamen across different cultures.FindingsThe results reveal that cultural disparities significantly impact tourists' perceived image of Xiamen, particularly regarding their preferences for renowned tourist destinations and the factors influencing their travel experience.Originality/valueThis research pioneers applying natural language processing methods and machine learning techniques to affirm the substantial differences in the perceptions of tourist destinations among Chinese-speaking and English-speaking tourists based on Hofstede's cultural theory. The findings furnish theoretical insights for destination marketing organizations to target diverse cultural tourists through precise marketing strategies and illuminate the practical application of Hofstede's cultural theory in tourism and hospitality.

Social Status Differences, Social Class Stereotypes, and Cross-Cultural Communication in the Korean Drama ‘Little Women’

Little Women tells the story of three poor sisters who are involved in a case related to the richest family in South Korea. This article aims to reveal the social class stereotypes contained in the little women series, the factors that influence social class inequality, and also the solutions to these problems. The subjects studied were the three main siblings in the series, namely Oh In Joo, Oh In Kyung, and Oh in Hye. The research method is descriptive qualitative using Hofstede's cultural theory analysis. The analysis is carried out through five dimensions of culture according to Hofstede, namely Power Distance Index, Uncertainly Avoidance Index, Individualism VS Collectivism, Masculinity VS Feminity, and Long-term Orientation VS Short-term Orientation implied in the scenes and dialogues of the Little Women series. The results of the study found 5 social controls from differences in social status, social class stereotypes, and cross-cultural communication. The first is the discriminatory treatment and educational background of the rich and the poor. Then, the power of the upper/higher social class controls everything. The third is the difference between rich and poor families. Fourth, social inequality between the rich and the poor. Finally, the culture of Korean people who want to look luxurious and classy. Overall, it can be seen how the areas of life of the lower social class are under the control or power of the high social class.

Promoting sustainable development in the construction industry: The impact of contractors' cultural preferences on green construction performance

Understanding the impact of contractors' cultural preferences on green construction performance (GCP) can contribute to sustainable development in the construction industry. However, existing research relies primarily on Hofstede's framework of national culture, which treats culture as a collection of independent dimensions, thereby ignoring the complex notion of cultural profiles, which refer to distinct patterns of interrelated dimensions that cannot be considered in isolation but only in combination. Thus, based on Hofstede's cultural theory, this study adopts a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach to fill this gap by exploring how multiple dimensions of culture interact and combine to influence green construction performance. A relationship framework between contractors' cultural preferences and GCP could be developed based on the results. Findings go beyond the existing theoretical and empirical evidence on the relationship between unique cultural preferences and GCP, which enriches the theoretical system of sustainability research in the construction industry and assists contractors in changing their attitudes and behaviors to improve GCP.

Factors Affecting Chinese Students Promote Distance Learning On the Telecommunication Platform during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Influenced by the situation of COVID-19, all Chinese students have to follow a self-isolation policy and accept distance education from home. Among telecommunication platforms, the DingTalk platform is the most popular one in China and already has more than 130 million student users. Although DingTalk provides teachers and schools with comprehensive teaching functions, there are numerous negative feedbacks from Chinese students. To analyse related problems and promote distance education successfully, this paper establishes the research model based on the COM-B Behaviour Changing theory and the Hofstede cultural theory, and it analyses specific factors affecting Chinese students’ motivation to promote distance learning on telecommunication platform under the situation of COVID-19. The research results will be beneficial to improve the distance learning system, which can attract more and more young students to accept a high-quality distance education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analisis Nilai Budaya dalam Promosi Wisata Akun Instagram @Wonderfulindonesia dan @Japantravelcom

The lack of cultural analysis research on tourism based Instagram accounts, especially in Indonesia, makes it a limitation in understanding communication studies, especially cross cultural in Indonesia. This study aims to look at the differences in cultural values resulting from cultural based Instagram account postings and tourism promotions @Wonderfulindonesia and @Japantravelcom which are based on two components of Hofstede's cultural theory which include collectivist-individualist cultural values and power distance (PD) as well as cultural dimensions in the image. mise en scene. Quantitative content analysis method was used to analyze 400 samples tested through Pearson chi square and continuity correction chi square. The results showed that the two Instagram accounts showed more individualism than collectivists in posting pictures. In the post caption, @Wonderfulindonesia shows the individualist side as opposed to @Japantravelcom. The results of the analysis of Power distance and mise en scene do not show a significant difference between Instagram account of @Wonderfulindonesia and @Japantravelcom.

Investigating factors affecting Chinese tertiary students’ online-startup motivation based on the COM-B behaviour changing theory

Purpose This study aims to present the Chinese entrepreneurial environment and explore Chinese tertiary students’ online-startup motivation on live streaming platforms. Based on the COM-B behaviour changing theory, this paper discovers various influencing factors from environmental opportunity and personal capability aspects. It analyses their effects under the cooperative system established among official departments, industries and universities. Meanwhile, considering social and cultural control, it also refers to the uncertainty-avoidance dimension from the Hofstede cultural theory and re-evaluates its influence on Chinese tertiary students’ online-startup motivation. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyse 474 responses from online questionnaires through partial least squares path modelling and variance-based structural equation modelling. The paper claims that environmental opportunity and personal capability factors positively affect students’ online-startup motivation, but uncertainty-avoidance thinking plays a negative role. The study also measures the importance-performance map analysis to explore additional findings and discuss managerial implications. Findings Both platform support and official department support positively impact Chinese tertiary students’ online-startup motivation and entrepreneurial skills learned from universities are beneficial for them to build online-startup confidence. Meanwhile, influenced by the cooperative system implemented among official departments, industries and universities, official department support positively affects platform support and entrepreneurial skills. Conversely, influenced by Chinese traditional Confucian culture, uncertainty-avoidance thinking negatively affects tertiary students’ online-startup motivation. Originality/value This paper demonstrates the analysis of Chinese tertiary students’ online-startup motivation drawing on the COM-B behaviour changing and Hofstede cultural theories. Specifically, this study divides influencing factors into three specific aspects as follows: environmental opportunity, personal capability and social and cultural control. Unlike existing research applying traditional research models, the combination of the COM-B behaviour changing theory and the Hofstede cultural theory could be conducive to making the research model reflect influencing factors and present their different relationships.

Exploring cultural values in conflict management: a qualitative study of university heads of departments

PurposeIn seeking to understand the impact of culture on conflict management (CM), extant organisational management research has, for the most part, confined itself to using the one-dimensional collectivism/individualism model of Hofstede's cultural theory. The purpose of this present study is to extend this knowledge area by adopting the more comprehensive analysis of Hofstede's fourfold dimensional typology – power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity/femininity – as a conceptual lens to investigate how national culture impacts the interpersonal CM of those in leadership positions in higher education institutions. Specifically, this article explores the extent to which cultural values influence the CM practices of university heads of departments (HODs).Design/methodology/approachAdopting a qualitative approach, 36 interviews were conducted with heads of different departments across a variety of disciplines in selected Nigerian universities.FindingsThe study's results conceptualise how underlying cultural norms – promoting paternalism, servility and social relations – influence the conflict-handling strategies adopted by university HODs. It consequently emerged from the thematic analysis that in Nigeria, conflict-handling decisions are shaped by status-based dictates, a normative emphasis on communality, masculine hegemony and religious motivation – as opposed to Western cultures, where these benevolent and integrative values play a far smaller role.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focussed on a small group of research subjects. Although the sample is not a sample that enables generalisation, the findings provide theoretical insights into how cultural ascendancy could frame conflict resolutions. This research is especially relevant as it runs in a culture significantly different from the ones that originally were investigated and in which managerial books and mainstream practices emerged and, thus, can contribute to challenge and enhance theory.Originality/valueThe study seeks to advance knowledge of the interface between culture and CM in a sub-Saharan African context where literature is scarce.

The Impacts of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure on Dividend Policy of Financial Sectors in Jordan

Purpose - This study aims to explore the significant relationship of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure with Dividend policy in financial companies listed - (Insurance and Banking sectors) - at Amman stock exchange for the year of 2019. Methodology - The study based on agency theory and Hofstede's cultural dimension theory to understand the nature of the theoretical relationship between these variables. The six Dimensions- (PDI: Power Distance Index; IDV: Individualism versus Collectivism; MAS: Masculinity versus Femininity; UAI: Uncertainty Avoidance Index; LOT: Long- Versus Short-Term Orientation; IND: Indulgence versus Restraint) are represented as proxies of Hofstede’s Cultural theory. On the other hand, Foreign Ownership; Concentrated Ownership and Institutional Ownership are represented as proxies of Ownership Structure. The Payout ratio is used as a proxy for the Dividend Policy. The questionnaire was distributed to target companies to measure cultural dimensions. The study tested the validity and reliability of the questionnaire by using the Cronbach Alpha factor. The researchers have employed the SSPS program to process the data statistically and to test the hypotheses and models of study. Further, Linear Regressions Technique was used to predict the significant relationship among the variables Findings - Results have shown that six Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure have no significant relationship with Dividend policy. Conclusion - The study contributes to the existing literature by filling out the gap in studies that have been carried out on the impact of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure on Dividend policy in Jordan. Furthermore, the study has practical implications such as directing the Jordanian companies to make an effective investment decision by recognizing the effect of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure on Dividend policy. Also, helping researchers, thereby serving as an input and a motivation for further research in the future.

Cultural influence on online community use: a cross-cultural study on online exercise diary users of three nationalities

This study investigates the influence of culture on the use of a website intended for tracking exercise activities. The data was collected using an online survey with 258 respondents from three national backgrounds: Germany, the USA and Spain. In the analysis, the focus was on determining whether users' cultural background impacts their use and perception of the site, especially as concerns social networking and the sharing of content. The Spanish were most interested in social networking, collaboration and sharing content with others, whereas the German participants were the least interested in these activities. The applicability of Hofstede's cultural theory in the explanation of differences between national cultures in online community use is discussed.

Preparing Undergraduate Computer Science Students to Face Intercultural and Multidisciplinary Scenarios

Problem: This teaching case presents the authors' experience planning, teaching, and evaluating a semester-long course within a computer science undergraduate program; the aim of this course was to develop soft skills that enable students to actively contribute within multicultural and transdisciplinary teams. Research question: How can an undergraduate-level course help computer science students better understand the multicultural and interdisciplinary scenarios that compose today's working environment? Situating the case: The literature review contextualizes the case as part of a broader group of literature concerned with curricular reforms that replace the traditional emphasis on memorization of fixed disciplinary knowledge with what have been called “21st Century Skills.” In addition, it builds a theoretical framework followed by the course that brings together Hofstede's Cultural Theory and Vygotsky's ideas regarding the social formation of the mind. Methodology: The researchers conducted two studies with a group of 62 students who participated in the course. The first one measured how students appropriated the concepts presented in the course and learning outcomes. The second one evaluated the students' perception of the course a year after they had enrolled in it. About the teaching case: Results show that the vast majority of students appropriate the concepts of the theoretical framework used throughout the course. In addition, most students perceive the courses' contribution to their professional lives positively-particularly regarding understanding cultural and transdisciplinary issues. A small group does not consider a course like the one proposed to be useful. Conclusions: The implication of this teaching case is that the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences is something that can be addressed directly by a specifically designed course within a computer science curriculum (rather than exclusively being a secondary outcome of other courses). The limitations of the study are that it presents the authors' own teaching experience (therefore, it is not a third-party report) and that it uses pretesting and posttesting as an asessment tool for multicultural and transdisciplinary abilities. Future work would show how similar experiences could be conducted across other cultural scenarios and possible ways in which to engage the small group of students who do not consider the course useful.

Privacy calculus model in e-commerce – a study of Italy and the United States

This study examines cross-cultural differences beliefs related to e-commerce use for Italy and the United States. We argue that for both cultures, the user's decision to make an online purchase is simultaneously influenced by a set of contrary factors. These include decision facilitators such as propensity to trust and institutional trust, and decision inhibitors such as perceived risk and privacy concerns. We argue that substantial cultural differences exist that affect the above factors and the relationships among them. We use Hofstede's cultural theory and Fukuyama's theory of trust and social capital, along with emic factors important for the Italian society, to develop the study's propositions. The hypotheses were empirically tested using LISREL structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis. The results revealed that the Italian society exhibited lower propensity to trust, institutional trust, privacy concerns, and higher perceived risk. The relationships between institutional trust and e-commerce use, privacy concerns and e-commerce use, and perceived risk and institutional trust are all weaker for Italy. The relationship between perceived risk and privacy concerns is stronger for Italy. The paper's major contribution is in validating an important model of e-commerce use across two cultures and showing the moderating effects of culture.

The Impact of Power Distance on Email Acceptance: Evidence from the PRC

This study expands the general applicability of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) across cultures by incorporating cultural influence into its theoretical framework. Elements of Hofstede's cultural theory are incorporated into the TAM framework to examine the moderation effect of Power Distance on the relationship between Subjective Norms on the Perceived Usefulness of email in the context of the People's Republic of China. Moderated structural equation models (MSEMs) are used in the study to explore the moderating effect of Power Distance. The findings show that, contrary to some beliefs, the influence of Subjective Norms on Perceived Usefulness is stronger among individuals with lower Power Distance than among those with higher Power Distance. The individual level analysis of cultural factors used in the study attempts to avoid the over generalizations of cultural typology and remedy the inadequacy of post hoc explanation in conventional IS cultural studies. Findings will help organizations understand the influence of core societal values on email acceptance and so to better utilize social and cultural practices in organizational technological diffusion.